Jason Zucker’s Record Tying Goal Lifts Houston Aeros Over Abbotsford Heat

Minnesota Wild prospect Jason Zucker tied an American League Hockey record by scoring an overtime, game-winning goal just five seconds into the extra frame.  The record was set in 1980 by Dave Saatzer of the Nova Scotia Voyageurs and was later tied again in 2002 when Chris Corrinet back in 2002 according to the AHL.com. 

The record tying goal also helped propel the Houston Aeros to victory over the Abbotsford Heat in what was a thrilling 3-2 final.  The victory gives the Aeros their third straight win as they appear to have found their stride, climbing the standings in the Western Conference.

Houston opened the scoring in the first period when Justin Fontaine popped his seventh of the season, a powerplay goal from Tyler Cuma and Zack Phillips.

Brett Olson would square the game at one just over a minute after Fontaine’s tally, sending the game into the first intermission all tied up.

The flip-flop scoring would continue in the second thanks to the Aero’s David McIntyre notching his fifth of the campaign in what would be the only goal of the middle frame.

Abbotsford would tie the game mid-way through the third when Joe Piskula got his first of the season, setting the stage for Zucker and his heroics.

After Johan Larsson won the opening faceoff, he pushed ahead, instantly creating a two on one with Zucker.  After getting the puck from Larsson at the blueline, Zucker cut in and let a bullet of a wrist shot go near the top of the circle that beat Danny Taylor over the blocker, sending the hometown crowd into a frenzy.

You can check out the video here but don’t blink as it doesn’t take long.

Zuckers goal was just the 23rd shot on goal for Houston in what was a tight checking, defensive game.  Houston out-shot Abbotsford 23-20 and Matt Hackett picked up the win in goal.

The Aeros now turn their attention to the Oklahoma City Barons when the baby Oilers will occupy the visitor dressing room on Thursday and Friday.  This will be the first game that Taylor Hall will face the Aeros since his borderline hit on young defenceman Jonas Brodin.  Will their be fireworks and retribution?  We’ll find out soon enough.

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